Zachary James, 23, of Southfield, was in his car when it hit him. The then-Eastern Michigan University student says it was a sign that he was going to do something to help those less fortunate.

“Honestly I was just sitting in the parking lot of the grocery store and it just came to me. It was pretty spiritual. I guess the clearest way to describe is God was telling me to do it,” James said.

Starting on July 1, James will begin a 3,000 mile run from New York to San Francisco that will take him an estimated four months to complete while trying to raise money for charity.

“I’ve always wanted to see America by foot, so it’s all worth it for me. Plenty of people have done it, so there is no reason why I can’t do it,” James said.

Armed with only a stroller packed full of supplies, James’ goal is to raise $15,000 for Compassion International, a Christian-based charity that strives to end poverty for children.

“They try to get rid of poverty, especially in the third world. They feed kids, they heal kids, provide ministry. They do a lot of great things,” James said, adding that he is not part of the charity.

James said he chose the charity in large part because it relates to his chosen field of international affairs. James recently graduated from EMU with a Bachelor of International Affairs and felt the run was something he could do to help in that field.

“I’ve been preparing for two years while going to school at Eastern. I just graduated, so what better time?” James said.

Along with the run, James said he's sponsored two children in third world countries for more than a year. Before he's even started running, James has raised $2,000 for the charity and hopes to spread the message while he is traveling across the country.

His route will take him through Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Chicago and many other large cities over the four months. And while he has family in some parts of the country, he will rely on people he meets or hear about his story to allow him to sleep at their homes.

“Mostly I’m depending on people’s generosity,” James said. “I’ll probably ask to pitch a tent in their backyard or something like that.”

James leaves for New York on Saturday and hope to complete his run by Nov. 1.

In his supply bag, James plans on carrying clothes, food, his tent, extra supplies for the stroller and of course, plenty of water. The stroller weighs 75 pounds and James has spent time training with it in order to prepare for the conditions he’ll face.

He currently runs at least 10 miles a day and up to 20, depending on how he feels. His goal is to run at least 30 miles a day once he begins. James admits however that he will be taking days off during the trip to allow his body to recover.

“You can’t run every single day without taking a break. It’s important to take breaks,” he said.

While spending the majority of the next four months alone is going to be tough, James said his family and friends have been very supportive.

“My friends are all gung ho about it, they’re really excited. Maybe more excited than me because they don’t have to run it,” said James with a laugh.

James has also received support from local businesses and sponsors who have donated almost all of the supplies he will use including new shoes, a cell phone, the stroller itself and other necessities he’ll need. James said he was incredibly thankful and blessed by the support he’s received so far, and hopes his run will help inspire others to help fight poverty.

“There’s a billion children in poverty and I just think we can do more to help out,” James said.